Richard Jennings: Ghost Town

On Saturday, June 6, at 11 a.m. at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St., author Richard Jennings will present his book, Ghost Town. The event also serves as a workshop for aspiring young writers.

Jennings, the author of more than 50 essays, short stories, and articles, garnered acclaim for the 1980 book The Tragic Tale of the Dog Who Killed Himself.

In Jennings’ most recent effort, Ghost Town, Spencer Honesty, his mom, and his imaginary friend, Chief Leopard Frog, are the last people left in Paisley, Kansas. When Chief Leopard Frog’s carved rabbit talisman tells Spence to take his photo, Spence digs up his late father’s camera and shoots photographs of his ghost town. When the mysterious photos are developed, Spence sees his old neighbor in her bedroom, as well as Ma Puttering clearing weeds in her yard. What happens next to Spence is unexpected and involves a catalog called Uncle Milton’s Thousand Things You Thought You’d Never Find, a poetry deal gone awry, and a ghost camera that takes pictures of the past.

Richard Jennings’ event is co-sponsored by Rainy Day Books. Copies of Ghost Town will be available for sale, and the author will sign copies during the event.